Bug guts and leather...

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions for cleaning bug guts off of leather? I got plelted by swarms of just after sunset bugs. I waited for them to dry and did a dry rub, but there is always some that fuse with the hide.

intercessor

[Jethro]

I use a rag soaked with WD40, but my leather is like 1/2" thick and I care less what it looks like. It hasn't had any ill effects yet though.

[jimcor]

Honda Spray Polish/Cleaner does a very good job. Used it a lot. No bad side effects, keeps leather supple too.

I haven't used these two but they tell me they work as well: Pledge and Behold. Behold is a water based polish so it's supposed to be very gentle. I do use these two for light cleaning and for 'waxing' both of my bikes. Pledge is a better bug remover on the bikes...but you get almost twice as much behold for the same price...$2! Cheap!

[Mr. Jiggles]

Although I have not tried it, I'd imagine that meat tenderizer (papain) or some other protease would do the trick.

[Hoomgar]

Lay a wet cloth on the affected areas and let soak for a few minutes. Then wipe them off. Remember to treat your leather regularly with the recommended leather treatment for it.

This works equally as well for your helmet/visor.

[retrex]

Cleaning Leather

Any suggestions for cleaning bug guts off of leather? I got plelted by swarms of just after sunset bugs. I waited for them to dry and did a dry rub, but there is always some that fuse with the hide.

The product that is consisitently metioned as best for cleaning and protectiing leather is Lexol, or Lexal I don't remember the exact spelling. In test after test that I have read on taking care of leather this is almost always found to be the best. There is a cleaner and a protectant product. Drawback = $$$.

[KGB]

Or mink oil.


Lexal or Lexol works great.
I used it on a leather jacket for about 15 years and it was still supple.
No cracks or tears.

[bwringer]

"Bug Guts & Leather" would be a great name for a band.

:P :P


Seriously, as noted above, Lexol is The Right Stuff.

[Rock]

A damp cloth has always worked fine for me.

[kalessin]

Remove spoogy bug guts with a water-dampened cloth. Treat leather with Lexol afterward. Bug guts clogged in perforated leather can be cleaned out with a toothpick if necessary.

Works for me..

[mrquadriga]

Another solution that hasn't been explored yet is.........get a windscreen!!!!
Does wonders for keeping my jacket clean! - Pete

[Wingnut]

Another solution that hasn't been explored yet is.........get a windscreen!!!!
Does wonders for keeping my jacket clean! - Pete

Ah ha, you are correct! I never had the problem until I started riding without the glass. Now my jacket is shmoooed all the time. And I even get bugs IN those little vent holes in the helmet! What are the odds of that happening. Have to pick them out with a toothpick. Last one was a yellow jacket. 8O

[Poot]

soap, water, sponge

[Anonymous]

Saddle soap. Buy at tack shops, farm supply, etc. Has been solving this problem since way before internal combustion.

[bwringer]

I've also found that riding long distances in a pounding rain storm does a fine job of cleaning bug innards off my jacket.

Seriously. It works great.

And you might as well see the bright side of an otherwise crappy riding day.